CAREER & MONEY
ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT
VANESSA KEITH
FEARS
My biggest fear was that since the boutique was
completely closed before I purchased it, that no one,
shoppers or consignors, would come back. I decided
to keep a positive outlook. That fear was immediately
allayed, and the shoppers returned. Upscale Resale
Boutique is a wonderful brand that has been in existence
about 15 years. Ultimately, I felt that its consignors
and the community in general would both support and
benefit from its continued presence. I remember the joy
of having the first consignor to entrust her luxurious
coat with us and the first group of shoppers to purchase
clothing and accessories. I did a happy dance!
MOTIVATION
My motivation comes from contributing to society
in a special way - by employing people who want to
work. There is no better feeling than knowing the
boutique touches the lives of its employees and their
families. The second motivation comes from being a
part of something bigger than myself - a community of
consignors and shoppers who are fashionistas. Finally, I
get a good feeling when my employees and I can donate
items to special charities, including The Women’s Safe
House, a full service women’s abuse shelter.
INSPIRATION
The love of God, my family and friends keep me
inspired. And I enjoy being a part of Upscale Resale
Boutique that connects people with similar tastes.
GOALS
The first goal that I have achieved is keeping Upscale
Resale Boutique open one year, along with keeping
existing employees and adding a few more. The second
goal is stocking the boutique’s shelves with such brands
as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Christian Louboutin, Hermès,
St. John, Doncaster, Worth, Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy
Choo, Coach, Michael Kors and Kate Spade. Finally, we
want to make it convenient for our out-of-state shoppers
to stay connected to the store.
Vanessa Keith is a partner at the law firm Greensfelder Hemker
& Gale, yet recently embarked on a new and exciting journey into
entrepreneurship. Vanessa is also now owner of Upscale Resale
Boutique, a boutique featuring desirable designer labels such as
Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Lily Pulitzer and more.
ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Last year, I visited Upscale Resale Boutique and learned its
owner planned to close. “You cannot close!” I said to the staff.
One discussion led to another and eventually, I decided to buy the
boutique with the help of investors. I have always enjoyed shopping
at consignment shops because of the special treasures one can find,
and because of my heavy social calendar. My husband and I may
have as many as three or four social engagements in a weekend.
Shopping consignment helps to keep my wardrobe costs down.
WORDS OF WISDOM
My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to know what your
passion is and if opportunity knocks, seize the opportunity
to put your passion to work for you. Though I am an
attorney, I still enjoy fashion. I have followed fashion,
studied fashion designers, and noted the fashion trends
the public ultimately adopts. This has been a passion of
mine all of my life. Upscale Resale Boutique keeps a staff
of employees busy identifying and researching fashion in
the form of upscale designer apparel, accessories, shoes,
handbags, scarves, jewelry and other items.
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Visit Upscale Resale Boutique for a unique shopping
experience at 10042 Manchester Road, Glendale, MO
63122. www.upscaleresalestl.com.
SAVVY I SOPHISTICATED I SASSY